Take your dessert game to the next level with this M&M Chocolate Brownie Pizza! A rich, fudgy brownie base topped with a creamy frosting and colorful M&Ms makes this treat perfect for parties, birthdays, or any time you want to impress with a fun and delicious dessert. This brownie pizza is easy to make, looks stunning, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s get started on this creative and indulgent dessert!
Ingredients
For the Brownie Base:
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup)
- Cocoa Powder (1/2 cup, unsweetened)
- Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup, packed)
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, melted)
- Eggs (2 large)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon)
- Baking Powder (1/2 teaspoon)
For the Toppings:
- M&Ms (1 cup, or as desired)
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (1/2 cup, melted)
- Cream Cheese (4 oz, softened)
- Powdered Sugar (1 cup)
- Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon)
- Heavy Cream (2-3 tablespoons, for thinning frosting)
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Brownie Base
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 12-inch round pizza pan or a springform pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Prepare the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and mix until fully combined.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread the Batter: Pour the brownie batter into the prepared pizza pan and spread it evenly with a spatula. The batter will be thick, so spread it out to cover the entire surface of the pan.
- Bake: Bake the brownie base in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. You don’t want to overbake it, as you want the brownies to stay fudgy.
- Cool: Remove the brownie pizza from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan.
Step 2: Prepare the Frosting
- Beat the Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the Powdered Sugar and Vanilla: Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, beating until smooth. Add 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream to thin the frosting slightly if needed.
- Spread the Frosting: Once the brownie base has completely cooled, spread the cream cheese frosting evenly over the top, leaving a little border around the edges to mimic a pizza crust.
Step 3: Decorate with M&Ms and Chocolate
- Sprinkle the M&Ms: Generously sprinkle M&Ms over the frosted brownie pizza, pressing them gently into the frosting to ensure they stick.
- Drizzle with Melted Chocolate: Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the pizza for an extra touch of decadence.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
- Chill the Pizza: Place the brownie pizza in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to set the frosting and chocolate drizzle.
- Slice and Serve: Once chilled, slice the brownie pizza into wedges and serve! Enjoy this delicious, fun dessert with family and friends.
Duration Time
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
- Chilling Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Sugars: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
FAQs
1. Can I use a boxed brownie mix for the base?
Yes, you can use a boxed brownie mix to save time. Prepare the brownie mix according to the package instructions and bake in a 12-inch pizza pan.
2. How do I store leftover brownie pizza?
Store any leftover brownie pizza in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I use a different type of candy?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the M&Ms for other candies like Reese’s Pieces, chopped peanut butter cups, or even sprinkles.
4. Can I make the brownie base ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the brownie base a day ahead. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature, and frost and decorate it the next day.
5. How do I prevent the frosting from melting?
Make sure the brownie base is completely cool before frosting to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting. You can also chill the frosting in the refrigerator for a few minutes before spreading it.
6. Can I use a different frosting?
Yes, you can use a chocolate ganache, whipped cream, or even buttercream frosting instead of cream cheese frosting.
7. Can I make this brownie pizza gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that’s a 1:1 replacement.
8. Can I make this dessert vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based butter, egg substitutes, vegan cream cheese, and dairy-free chocolate chips. Also, check that the M&Ms or candies you use are vegan-friendly.
9. Can I freeze the brownie pizza?
It’s best to freeze just the brownie base if needed. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. When ready to serve, thaw and frost with the toppings.
10. How do I get the perfect brownie texture?
To achieve a fudgy texture, be sure not to overbake the brownies. Check for doneness around the 15-minute mark and look for a toothpick to come out with moist crumbs.
This M&M Chocolate Brownie Pizza is a fun and delicious dessert that combines the best of brownies and a colorful, candy-topped pizza. It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike, making it perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. Enjoy every slice of this indulgent treat!